The Memphis appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1886-1890, 1887-08-21

higher than ever. She would often
laugh aloud from sheer inability to
keep her mirth to herself, as she
pictured and repictured in her busy
brain what Clementina would say
and how Clemeutina would look
when her humble companion brill.
liant idea was fully matured and car
ried out.
The rivalry of the two widows did
not abate as the days went on. Fitz
was seldom to be seen without one
or other by his side. Bets were free.
" laid on the event at the clubs, the
odds varying as blonde or brunette
was in the ascendant. Clementina
hattered herself that she would be in
first at the winning post, while Minna
was equally confident that to her
would fall the honor of carrying off
the Brandon Sweepstakes.
The eventiul evening came at last.
Mrs. Desmond, arrayed as Madame
de Pompadour, 10 rose colored velvet
and diamonds, and Mrs. Somers as
Marie Antoinette, in pale blue satin
and pearls, arrived almost simulta-
neously at Lady MabePs. Little Fitz,
to whom both ladies had, of course,
confded the secret OF her incognito,
had got himself up very magnificent
ly as Louis XIV, aud this Mrs Des.
mond considered as almost tanta-
mount to a declaration.
The ball was most brilliant>affair;
the weather was everything it should
be, warm, still and moonless; the H.
luminatlons we're gorgeous, the
music good, the dresses admirable,
and the wine superlative. Lady
Mabers guests took their pleasure
with les Of insular sadness aud more
OF continental liveliness than usual.
Whether it was the novelty and dar.
ing of the thing, or the tact Of the
hostess, or the unlimited opportuni-
] ties for Irritation, OF the spice of in
| trigue and mystiication introduced
into the affair by the wearing of
masks, it is certain that the ball was
q com plete success from beginning to
end. Nina Desmond, however, was
far from happy, TOR throughout the
evening little Fitz devoted himself
almost exclusively to her rival. The
blue dress OF Marie Antoinette was
always TO be seen in juxtaposition
with the brilliant costume Of Louis
XIV.
Z" | suppose he thinks as Clemeu-
tina is masked, people won't talk, "
thought the disconnected widow, as
she watched the pair.
Carniorth, who had somehow dis
covered hat Madame de Pompadour
was no other than his tickle Minna
came up to her aud began to talk. Al
first his attempts at conversation
we're coldly received, but Jack wa:
not easily snubbed. ani at length III.
seemed to relent and gradually glided
into friendly chat.
Carnfirth was delighted; he begged
for a waltz, and Minna did not refuse
the request. When the dance wa,
ended, he led his partner into one Of
the pleasant hooks in the garden
hoping that the widows mood would
not change before he could find cour
age 10 propose. But the lady
thoughts we're still running OF
Louis; she was determined not I,
throw up the cards yet. The frs
thing to be done was TO get rid o
Carntorth, so he was dispatched I,
fetch an ice, much to his disgust
just as she was about TO leave tn
arbor 10 search Of the recalcitran
fitZ. she was startled by rustl
in the bushes near, aud voice
Clementina's voice,-whispering he
name. At the same time the bushe
parted, showing the blue dress q
the Queen.
"Clementinal" cried the astonishe
lady; you here2"
Hush, dear. | have been tryin
to speak 10 you all the evening"
Indeed" retorted the othe
coldly.; II thought you were bette
= occupied"
"0h, Miuna, don't be unkindl
, thought | could depend on you
, friendship"
I my iriendshipl Much you car
I for that, infatuated as you are by tina
D little" she paused, unable to find
$ word strong enough to express he
Y feelings.
"Minna, dearest, you are surel
= not jealous Of met"
4 ''Jealousl no, indeed. / don't ad
mire your pocket Adonis, your du,
Q decimo Lous XIV" said Minna wit
Q whitening scorn.
4 Then we won't quarrel over hin
D but unite our forces against the cou
y, mon foe" retorted the other wit
spirit.
: The common foc2 what do 20
z meanP'
u "Just what / say. Minna, there
y treachery somewhere. Some one
J; playing me, playing us, cruel triC
II tonieht."
7, DO speak out plainly, dear, sa
y the other, with a bittle laugh.
e am too stupid TO guess riddles"
Come with me, then, and | VI
d show you something more puZzlir
q than any riddle" And ClementiI
!, drew her friends hand through h,
q arm and led her rapidly toward d
il most secluded part Of the garde
3 II saw them 60 10 this direction
70 she went on excitedly. Loo
d Miunn, don! you see blue DIRE
" over thereY
IN Yes; but there are ever so ma
at blue dresses here tonight"
ID mot like that one" whisper
IN Clementina In her ear, ut is a IA
20 simile Of mine"
y "Then IL is not you Mr.. Brand
iy has been dancing with all the eve
~ ing2' replied the other, breathless
ul a light suddenly breaking in on he
* mo. He has been dancing wi
he my double"
he are"
Determined to find out who !
ug played me this shameful trick" 4
II interrupted, hercely. Now silep
all or they will hear Us. Here ii
st. come-they are going 10 sit on q
al soaf